Buying a house is an exciting time but can also be nerve racking. At times, some buyers let their emotions get the best of them and overlook some extremely important things while buying a house.
Each and every year, working as one of the top real estate agents in Rochester NY, I have the pleasure of helping dozens of families find their dream home! I pride myself on making sure my clients are aware of what to expect, what to look for when buying a house, and are comfortable and happy with their purchase!
Below you’ll find out 3 very important things to look out for when buying a house. Whether you’re buying a house in Rochester or in another city, you need to be on the lookout for the following things while you’re shopping for homes!
Potential Structural Problems
One of the most important things to be on the lookout for when buying a house are potential structural problems. A structural problem can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars to properly repair.
There are a few ways to identify potential structural problems while shopping for houses. Of course, the best way to identify structural problems is to hire a professional to inspect a homes foundation. Below are a couple ways to identify potential structural issues in a house.
1.Cracks in walls, especially step cracking
2.Doors don’t properly latch because they’re not square
3.Cracking tiles that are laid over a cement floor
4.Windows don’t properly latch
Hiring a structural engineer is the ultimate way to identify if a potential issue is valid or not. The ballpark cost for a structural engineer inspection ranges between $400-$600. If there is any question whether or not the home you’re looking to purchase has structural issues, perform the inspection, you’ll be glad you did!
Age(s) Of The Homes Major Mechanicals
The most expensive repairs and/or replacements in a house are the homes major mechanics, such as the roof, windows, and HVAC systems. As you’re shopping for houses, it’s important to take note of the age of the homes major mechanical systems.
While it’s not always possible to identify the exact age of a homes furnace or roof, the seller, your agent, or an inspector should be able to ballpark the approximate ages of these systems. Replacing a roof on a 2,000 square foot home, depending if it needs to be a complete tear-off and the complexity of the peaks and valleys on the home, can cost upwards of $10,000.
Homes that have old mechanics or mechanics that are in poor condition typically have a difficult time selling. One of the most common ways home buyers are scared away from a home is because of the condition or age of the homes mechanicals.
Look Out For Red Flags
Last but certainly not least, you need to be on the lookout for red flags when viewing homes. It’s fairly common to walk into a home and you can tell the repairs that have been completed weren’t done professionally.
Other red flags to look for when looking at homes include random fresh paint on walls or ceilings, mold, poor drainage, grading problems, and always make sure to give every home the odor test. If you walk into a house and are immediately hit by foul odors, you need to evaluate the reason for the odor.
Final Thoughts
Buying a house is an exciting process! It’s important to always keep in mind while shopping for a house that it is a big investment so you want to make sure you’re making a smart decision. If there is any doubt as to whether the house is right for you, don’t rush into making a decision. Rushing into a decision while buying a house can result in home buyers remorse.
About The Author: Kyle Hiscock is a local Rochester real estate agent with RE/MAX Realty Group. He has been helping buyers and sellers in the Greater Rochester area for over 6 years with their real estate needs.
He is the founder and owner of his website, Rochester Real Estate Blog, where he frequently publishes helpful real estate related content. Connect with Kyle on Twitter @KyleHiscockRE, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.